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Michael Knighton on the Old Trafford pitch in 1989. Photo: Picture: Neal Simpson

On the 30th anniversary of his attempted £10m takeover of Manchester United, Michael Knighton says his vision for the club's 'brand' was the blueprint for their glory years.

In August 1989, the property tycoon stunned the football world by walking on to the Old Trafford pitch ahead of their opening game of the season to proclaim that he had bought the club.

Surrounded by photographers, he even performed a kick-ups routine before scoring a goal in front of the Stretford End.

But the deal fell through a few weeks later, creating a piece of United folklore that will live long in the memory.

Three decades later, speaking exclusively to Granada Reports correspondent Chris Hall, he says he has no regrets and that his vision for marketing the club was the basis for their financial power and subsequent silverware.

A book on his time at Manchester United - ''Visionary'' by Phillip Vine - will be released in September by Pitch Publishing.